AQSIQ issues definitive report on Chinese imports in 2013

The volume of imported secondary raw materials passing through China’s inspection and quarantine agencies amounted to just over 55m tons last year - equivalent to some 6.4% less than in 2012 and also below the levels of 2009 and 2011. According to the Chinese authorities, slightly more than 88% of the volume comprised recovered paper, waste plastics, mixed waste metal, or waste metals and alloys.

The figures have been relayed to BIR by Ma Hongchang, a local recycling expert engaged by the world recycling organisation to report on relevant changes in law and policy enforcement in the key market of China. The information is taken from an AQSIQ report released earlier this month which provides the international recycling industry with the most comprehensive picture to date of Chinese imports of recyclables in 2013.